Secure authentication based on liquid crystal-generated patterns

We recently demonstrated that a colloidal crystal of shells of cholesteric liquid crystal generates complex patterns of circularly polarized multicolored spots, if it is illuminated by white light. The pattern changes as a function of which area is illuminated. The introduction of randomness in how the shells are arranged makes every pattern unique.

Together with Dr. Gabriele Lenzini at the University of Luxembourg Center for Security and Trust we are exploring the potential of using these systems in the context of secure authentication, e.g. of persons or products.